International Bank Transfers

International bank transfers are a method of transferring money from one country to another. International bank transfers use the technology of wire transfer that was introduced by telecommunication companies. As a counterpart of bank transfers, international bank transfers have become a common means used by travelers to send and receive money.

Successful international bank transfers are performed if people follow certain conditions set by banks for the purpose of safety. One condition for international bank transfers is that the person transferring money from one bank to another must have accounts opened in the banks. Another condition for international bank transfers is that if two people are involved, the sender must have an account with the sending bank and the receiver must have an account with the receiving bank.

How do international bank transfers work?

The process of doing international bank transfers is similar to the process of local bank transfers. However, in international bank transfers, banks are located in different countries. The bank that will send money contacts the bank that will receive money and provides instructions on how to go about the international bank transfers. It is a protocol that banks involved in the transfer identify people sending and receiving money through their bank accounts.

The process of doing international bank transfers may take hours or days. However, after the process has been done, the banks sending and receiving money will issue receipts so that the person sending money will know that his cash has been transferred.

Where can you do international bank transfers?

People may do international bank transfers in banks where they have an existing account. Banks involved in the transaction are located in different countries. Banks may also be of the same company or of different company.

When would you need to use international bank transfers?

People have many reasons for using international bank transfers. One of the most common reasons is when a person is traveling to another country and needs to send or access his money at home.

Another purpose of international bank transfers is for business, wherein companies may need to send money to each other or transfer cash from one offshore account to another. The third use of international bank transfers is when a person who is moving to another country needs to safely move the money in his home country bank account to an offshore bank account.

What limits are there to international bank transfers?

International bank transfers may charge high fees to people who are sending money. Sometimes, the fees are based on the amount of money being sent. Another limit to international bank transfers is that not all banks may provide such service. In that case, people need to use other means of transferring money overseas.

Recommended Transaction & Savings Accounts

Directsaver - a great online savings account, backed by the service you'd expect from St.George.
More details
Help yourself to a high interest Savings Account of 7.30% pa. Market leading rates, No minimum balance, high level of online banking security.
More details
Featuring Australia's highest variable online rate of 8.50% p.a. that will be paid until 1 January 2009.
Find Out How
Whatever your savings goals, HSBC's Serious Saver can help you grow your money with a high interest rate so you can reach them sooner.
Visit HSBC
HSBC's Online Savings Account is an everyday banking account that offers a high interest rate of 5.35% p.a.
Visit HSBC